KOTA KINABALU – Former Sabah governor Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah died at about 8.45pm last night at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu at the age of 78.
His death was confirmed by his grandson, Arfanshah Abdul Gafar, who, in a Facebook post, called on the public to recite prayers for his late grandfather.
“Please recite Al-Fatihah for my grandfather, Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah, who passed away a short while ago at KPJ Hospital Kota Kinabalu. May he be placed among the faithful. Aamiin Ya Mujib,” he said in a Facebook post.
Sabah State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong also confirmed the news, declaring a one-day official mourning period on Wednesday, during which the Sabah state flag is to be flown at half-mast.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed his condolences to the family, describing Tun Ahmadshah’s contributions to Sabah as significant, especially during his time in public service.
“On behalf of my family and the state government, I extend my condolences to the entire family of the late Tun. His service to Sabah was immense, especially during his tenure as a civil servant,” Hajiji said in a statement.
He was appointed the ninth Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah on January 1, 2003 and served two terms until December 31, 2010.
Born in Kg Inanam on December 9, 1946, Ahmadshah held a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Indiana State University, United States.
Before his appointment as governor, he last served as the deputy secretary to the Sabah state government, retiring in December 2002. He also held several senior roles in the state administration, including as director of the Sabah Public Services Department, head of the Home Affairs and Research Division in the Chief Minister’s Department, and secretary of the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS).
He is survived by four children. His wife, Toh Puan Dayang Masuyah Awang Japar, passed away in 2020. – May 21, 2025